What Are Nintendo Virtual Game Cards?
Nintendo has introduced Virtual Game Cards for Switch and Switch 2 consoles, replacing traditional downloads from the eShop. When a digital game is purchased, it’s now stored as a virtual game card. These cards behave like physical cartridges, allowing you to load and eject them directly from the system menu. Once downloaded, these digital versions can still be played offline just like before.
Linking Consoles: Load Games Anywhere
A major benefit of this system is the ability to link multiple consoles. If you own two Switches—say a regular and a Switch 2—you can pair them in the same room using the new virtual game card menu. Once paired, you can transfer virtual game cards between systems anytime, as long as both are online. This pairing process is a one-time setup, and each game can only be loaded on one console at a time.
From there, players can assign specific games to each system. Games loaded this way are playable by any user on the console, not just the purchaser.
Lending Games with Family Groups
Another new feature is the ability to lend games. With a family group (up to eight accounts), players can lend up to three different virtual game cards at once. The borrowing user can only hold one game at a time. Lending requires both consoles to be in the same room and online for the transfer.
Games shared this way remain on the borrowing console for 14 days. During this period, the original user can’t use the game. Once the time limit expires—or if the lender recalls it—the game is removed from the borrower’s system. Save data stays, so progress isn’t lost.
Offline Access and Ejecting Games
Ejecting a virtual game card doesn’t remove the game—it simply unloads the license. You can reinstall or reload ejected games across any console tied to your account, as long as it’s online. This allows users with multiple Switch systems to manage games without needing to pair devices every time.
Additionally, enabling the Online License setting in your user account lets your main console play games even when they’re not loaded. This workaround gives more flexibility, especially when using several devices.
Game Share and System Updates
On Switch 2, a Game Share option is now available for select titles. It works similarly to the Nintendo DS’s download play feature, letting others temporarily access your game. Not all titles support this, and it’s separate from the virtual game card lending feature.
To access any of these features, your system must be updated to version 20.0.0 or higher. After the update, new menu icons will appear—Virtual Game Cards and Game Share. If these don’t show, navigate to System Settings > System > System Update.
Managing Your Game Library with Ease
When you open the virtual game card menu, you’ll see a full list of your digital purchases. This includes both games and DLCs, but not physical cartridges. From here, you can quickly load, eject, or move games between consoles, as well as share them with family members.
If you’re constantly on the move, having this level of control over where and how you play your games adds much-needed flexibility to Nintendo’s ecosystem. And if a device is in sleep mode and connected to Wi-Fi, you can even perform transfers remotely.
Should You Update? : Definitely Useful
This system isn’t flawless—it requires an internet connection for most actions, and lending must be done in person every time. Still, it offers a cleaner, more organized way to manage and share your Nintendo digital library.
